CHF question

[GT4six]

I finally got our coach back from the dealer (Shop) which in itself it's another story...

I'm planning to do the CHF tomorrow and going to the motions, I need to ask a quick question....

Do the sway-bar bracket bolts need to be loosen up while you're adjusting the bar so the holes can match to the link?

[alparmer]

No, you don't need to loosen them. The bar will move up or down with some pressure. Once you install one of the end links on one side, you may have to use a jack or a crowbar to align the other end. The first time I did it, they both lined up, but the second time I needed a jack to align one end.

[Lostdog]

Originally Posted by alparmmer

No, you don't need to loosen them. The bar will move up or down with some pressure. Once you install one of the end links on one side, you may have to use a jack or a crowbar to align the other end. The first time I did it, they both lined up, but the second time I needed a jack to align one end.

Exactly!

[dutch]

Just done that and i just put a bottle jack on one side and jacked it up, and both side went up. installed bolts & washer back on maybe a 20min job, will try out on the road in a couple of days to see how it is.

[GT4six]

Awesome everyone...Thanks for the feedback.

I'm going to go and get this done in about 20 mins (once I gather the tools). I was just going thru the motions in my head last night and reading some of the tips - but I couldn't find anything on the U brackets after I went underneath and check everything.

I'll let you know how did....didn't

[fullenw]

I did the CHF on the front and a Blue Ox sway bar on the back end. It made a huge difference for me. I'm still thinking about a safe-t-plus install on the front at some point just for peace of mind but dont want to spend the money just yet.

[GT4six]

I just did the CHF on the back, the passenger side took me 7 minutes, the drivers side took me longer due to the fact that the MH mini-exhaust pipe was in my way and I couldn't get a good angle to align the holes but other than that it was fairly simple.

I will drive our coach this weekend and see how it feels. I'd like to do the front but I have to take the coach out on the street where is more leveled on the front.

[GT4six]

Originally Posted by fullenw

I did the CHF on the front and a Blue Ox sway bar on the back end. It made a huge difference for me. I'm still thinking about a safe-t-plus install on the front at some point just for peace of mind but dont want to spend the money just yet.

Fullenw,

what did you notice different on the front after you did the CHF?

[fullenw]

Well right away i noticed less sway. When on the highway the steering was a bit tighter and passing cars\trucks were not really a issue anymore.

The front CHF prolly tightened up the steering and the rear sway bar removed all the wind\passing vehicle issues.

[GT4six]

Originally Posted by fullenw

Well right away i noticed less sway. When on the highway the steering was a bit tighter and passing cars\trucks were not really a issue anymore.

The front CHF prolly tightened up the steering and the rear sway bar removed all the wind\passing vehicle issues.

OK cool - that's what I'm hoping for on our coach. I know it won't completely resolve everything but I'll take it one thing at a time which will help me get to know the coach better. I'm hoping to do the front axle CHF today or tomorrow and then take the MH for a brief ride n test.

after I evaluate the ride I'll be pursuing the Tiger-Trak for the rear.

thanks much!

[abjb]

Originally Posted by GT4six

Fullenw,

what did you notice different on the front after you did the CHF?

Before CHF 65 MAX mph, both hands on the wheel AT ALL times!
Drove at 60 to 62 most of the time.

After CHF 70 MPH one hand on the wheel AT TIMES.
Headwind permitting usually drive at 65mph.

ab&jb

[GT4six]

Originally Posted by abjb

Before CHF 65 MAX mph, both hands on the wheel AT ALL times!
Drove at 60 to 62 most of the time.

After CHF 70 MPH one hand on the wheel AT TIMES.
Headwind permitting usually drive at 65mph.

ab&jb

That is good to know since I'm always driving BOTH hands on the wheel at ALL times like you said, I was going to do it today since I'm off from work this week but we have the Santa Ana winds here and it's so hard to do anything, should be ok to do it tomorrow....Tools are ready to go...now that I have done the rear feel much more confident to do the front.

I also bought the MaxAir II cover vents but can't install them as they will fly off the coach while I'm drilling....

If it's not a blizzard on the East, it's the Santa Ana strong winds on the West.....

[macevoyj]

What is CHF?

[wrapperman]

Cheap handling fix
Move the anti-sway bar bracket links to the other hole

[macevoyj]

Is this something I could do or should I get a mechanic to adjust the sway bar. (Lady owner). Thanks for help

[abjb]

Originally Posted by macevoyj

Is this something I could do or should I get a mechanic to adjust the sway bar. (Lady owner). Thanks for help

You can do it.
What tools do you have access to?

The bolts are big BUT are easy to get off and on.
A bottle jack is handy.
The back is a little more complicated than the front, you have to rotate a couple of brackets.
Take a look at this thread for A LOT of info.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f16/suspension-mod-has-anyone-tried-this-18370.html

ALL you need are hand tools and a jack, no parts!
There should be a lot more info for you in a while.
ab&jb

[macevoyj]

Much appreciated. As soon as the weather warms I'll tackle this project. I do have some tools and I can get some manpower if needed. Hopefully helps with this swaying issue. Mine is the same as other RVer post. Any wind causes it the hard to keep between white lines....or it feels that way.

[wrapperman]

What type of unit do you have
All I needed to have do was a front end alignment
Solved my problem with tracking and swaying
If you do it wrong or not using the right parts it may cause more problems.
Just saying make sure you chassis can take it.
Do you really need it or are there other issues.

[Scagsdale]

I've read about the CHF on forums for over a year now, and some of the threads I've been on are several years old. I'm wondering why Ford or the motor home manufacturers don't just set the chassis up this way in the first place? Is there a downside to this change that Ford thinks is a problem? I'm wondering because I'm picking up a brand new Georgetown 328 on Monday......

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by macevoyj

Much appreciated. As soon as the weather warms I'll tackle this project. I do have some tools and I can get some manpower if needed. Hopefully helps with this swaying issue. Mine is the same as other RVer post. Any wind causes it the hard to keep between white lines....or it feels that way.

If you are going to Goshen, They will do it at your site. Also start to make a list of anything that you are concerned about or needs repair. You will be amazed at what they can do when you are there. If they think it's best to have the unit repaired at the factory instead they will make the appointment for you and go through your whole coach. I remember That last year they had a problem with the CC crew. Nobody wanted to volunteer to work at the rally, But then two or three days before the end they just made them go out to make the repairs. All the divisions ask for volunteers and nobody from CC wanted to do it, but it got to the point that they just said you are going. They had so many people from the factory out there after that, that everyone was still taken care of in record time... I think it's the best PR move that they ever made. This will be the third year, and I expect that there are going to be record #'s attending.